Flax & Soda opens at Belfast International Airport as major dining overhaul continues

Official opening and ribbon cutting with Kate Sherry, Chief Commercial Officer, Belfast International Airport; Patrick Ntareme, General Manager, Flax & Soda, SSP UK & Ireland; Alistair Caldwell, Operations Manager, SSP UK & Ireland; and Richard Attwood, Director of Business Development, SSP UK & Ireland

Passengers travelling through Belfast International Airport are being offered a new all-day dining experience with the opening of Flax & Soda, a major new restaurant at the heart of the Departures Lounge.

Operated by SSP Group, a global leader in travel food and beverage, the venue marks the latest step in an ongoing transformation of the airport’s passenger offering, with further developments still to come later this year.

Flax & Soda is designed as a 280-cover casual dining space, providing flexible options for travellers at every stage of their journey, from early morning departures to evening flights.

Menu blends local identity with global flavours

Flax & Soda at Belfast International Airport, serving up fresh pizza in partnership with Knead Pizza.

The restaurant’s menu draws on both Northern Ireland’s culinary heritage and international influences, offering a wide-ranging selection throughout the day.

Morning options include Belfast baps, breakfast naans and soda bread Benedicts, while later menus feature burgers, curries, fish and chips, Turkish-inspired chicken kebabs and a variety of fresh salads.

An extensive drinks offering is also available, spanning alcoholic beverages, soft drinks and hot drinks.

A strong emphasis has been placed on sourcing locally, with ingredients supplied through a network of Northern Ireland producers. High-quality meats, freshly baked breads, local dairy products and a curated selection of beers and spirits all form part of the offering.

Local partnerships and Belfast culture at the forefront

The dining experience at newly opened Flax & Soda at Belfast International Airport

Flax & Soda at Belfast International Airport, featuring bespoke ‘Best of Belfast’ mural by local artist Keith Drury.

The venue also brings a recognisable Belfast food name into the airport environment, with Knead Pizza, a staple of the city’s Common Market, contributing to the dining experience.

Aidan Moss, Founder of Knead Pizza, said:

“Our pizza is inspired by our travels and experiences, with a distinctive Belfast twist. As a local business, we are incredibly excited for the opportunity to partner with SSP to bring our product to Belfast International Airport, and we are proud to share it with visitors from around the world.”

The restaurant space itself has been designed to reflect the character of the region, with a bespoke mural by local artist Keith Drury acting as a central feature.

Titled “Best of Belfast”, the artwork celebrates the city’s history and culture.

Marking the partnership between local Knead Pizza and the new Flax and Soda restaurant in Belfast International Airport are Kari Daniels, Chief Executive Officer, SSP UK & Ireland, Dan Owens, Chief Executive Officer, Belfast International Airport, and Aidan Moss, Founder, Knead Pizza.

“If colours were flavours, this artwork would take you on a world tour of culinary experiences all in one sitting! It is my hope that this piece captures the colour, detail and flavour of Belfast, its creativity, its people, and its ingenuity throughout the years. It has been a pleasure to work with SSP, but an even greater privilege to represent our city, offering one final reminder of the great character of Belfast before travellers leave for their onward journey,” said Mr Drury.

Part of wider airport transformation plans

The opening forms part of a broader five-year programme launched in 2025 to modernise the airport’s food and beverage offering.

SSP has already introduced a number of new outlets in recent months, including grab-and-go brands Soul & Grain, Starbucks and Burger King, alongside refurbishment and increased capacity at The Lagan bar.

Further expansion is planned, with the final phase set to include a new 300-cover premium bar and kitchen concept expected to open later this year.

The newly renovated iconic Lagan Bar in Belfast International Airport

Stuart Buchanan, Chief Property & Business Development Officer at SSP UK & Ireland, said:

“One of our key focus areas has been expanding our bespoke airport bar and kitchen concepts grounded in a strong sense of place. Flax & Soda is another example of this strategy in action, celebrating the region through a distinctly local proposition that perfectly complements our broad portfolio of food and beverage units at Belfast International Airport.

“We’re confident that Flax & Soda will quickly become the best part of the journey for passengers using the airport.”

Kate Sherry, Chief Commercial Officer at Belfast International Airport, added:

“Flax and Soda is a most welcome addition to our food and beverage landscape at Belfast International Airport and reflects our vision to transform the airport experience.

“With a focus on celebrating local flavours and ingredients, this new family-oriented restaurant is designed to offer our passengers a fresh and innovative dining experience. Flax and Soda is more than just a dining destination—it’s a tribute to the vibrant culture that makes Belfast and the entire region unique.”

The launch of Flax & Soda signals a continued shift towards a more locally rooted and experience-led approach to airport dining, as Belfast International Airport moves closer to completing its wider redevelopment plans.

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At a glance

• Flax & Soda has opened in the Departures Lounge at Belfast International Airport

• The restaurant offers a 280-cover, all-day casual dining experience

• Menu combines Northern Ireland produce with global dishes

• Local suppliers and Belfast brands, including Knead Pizza, are featured

• A mural titled “Best of Belfast” by artist Keith Drury is a centrepiece

• Opening forms part of a five-year airport transformation launched in 2025

• New outlets including Starbucks, Burger King and Soul & Grain have already opened

• Further expansion will include a new 300-cover premium bar and kitchen